Aye, there's the rub.
First, get 'em off their butts? What politician is going to pry a significant number away from their 60" flat screen tv?
Second, without a job they can sincerely perform with interest they are at the least going to need food stamps. Will kind of people willing to be trapped in welfare are going to be willing to step up and sincerely try to make a valuable attempt to earn their paycheck? Some, of course, but a meaningful percentage? What politician is going to require them to try?
It seems as close as possible to a Gordian Knot. Obviously, short of a catastrophe a gradual weaning in indicated. But, it is not encouraging as our political system may not be designed to deliver the tough love required.
And that is no surprise to many who would argue our system was not designed to operate a national welfare program.
“Will kind of people willing to be trapped in welfare are going to be willing to step up and sincerely try to make a valuable attempt to earn their paycheck? Some, of course, but a meaningful percentage? What politician is going to require them to try?”
We are too far gone to fix this problem. The solution is to make people uncomfortable on the dole. In the 30’s they would send inspectors to homes looking for luxuries like radios. Today it would be flat screens and smart phones. They would check to see if a man was present who shouldnt be. . I would end food stamps and make the poor eat in cafeteria style buildings. Every dollar given would have to be accounted for, with receipts. Having an extra kid means you get less money not more. Being on welfare would be harder than having a full time job. Fat chance of that happening today.